Historic decision: Vegan Fridays for all schoolchildren in NYC

Last week, a historic decision was made in New York City: following the earlier successful introduction of Meatless Monday and Meatless Fridays, they are now taking things one step further on Fridays, introducing Vegan Fridays in all school cafeterias. This will become the new reality for nearly one million school-age children, and is an important development for their eating habits and the future of the planet.

The plant-based protocol was introduced by the new mayor, Eric Adams, who was sworn in last month. Adams is vegan himself and says that, since changing his diet, he has no longer suffered from the diabetes that plagued him.

Plenty of healthy choices

In a statement, Adams says: “Plant-based options in school cafeterias mean a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle, improving the quality of life for thousands of children.” The infrastructure is also well equipped to make the transition to vegan meals since the introduction of Meatless Mondays in 2019, meaning that children and their parents are already accustomed to a vegetarian school lunch two days a week.

Milk, the mandatory staple

Spokesperson Jenna Lyle adds that the Department of Education is pleased that the healthy and balanced food offering for New York’s 930,000 schoolchildren is being expanded by gradually introducing the vegan-focused menu. Vegetarian options will still be available upon request. School milk will also remain legally required to be available every day.

So this is big news, especially because it concerns a city of millions. Some resistance is expected, as it will be a major change for schools. But the hope is that the more parents get used to not eating meat every day at home either, the smoother the transition will be.

Also read:

• Kids take an Airfryer to school for snacks and teachers are not amused
• Vegetarian smoked sausage tonight. I’m holding my breath.
• Peanut butter banned: some primary schools are doing it

Source: greenqueen.com